Patricia Valladares joined TNSTEP in 2008 and serves as Director of Middle Tennessee Services. She provides leadership across the region while also offering bilingual support to ensure families from diverse backgrounds can access the information and resources they need.
Patricia brings both professional and personal experience to her role. She has a disability and is also a grandmother to a child with autism and a granddaughter with ADHD. These experiences give her a deep sense of empathy and understanding as she supports families navigating special education.
Before joining TNSTEP, Patricia worked with a committee supporting individuals who are blind or deaf in Guatemala, focusing on inclusion and community engagement. Her areas of expertise include sensory disabilities, particularly blindness/low vision and hearing loss.
Patricia represents TNSTEP on the Access Ride Paratransit Advisory Committee (APAC) and is passionate about helping families advocate for appropriate educational services for their children.
Patricia shares this advice with families: You know your child better than anyone. Your involvement in their education is essential to helping them succeed.
